News Release: A further $3.3 billion from the Government of Canada for infrastructure in Alberta

July 6, 2017

SHARE

For immediate release

A further $3.3 billion from the Government of Canada for infrastructure in Alberta

July 7, 2017Edmonton, Alberta

Today the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defense, highlighted the announcement that Alberta will receive over $3.3 billion for infrastructure over the next 11 years under the Government of Canada’s long-term infrastructure plan.

Minister Sohi sent a letter to his provincial counterparts, including Minister Brian Mason in Alberta, outlining the government of Canada’s long term infrastructure plan and opening negotiations to reach bilateral agreements with each province and territory. These agreements will provide flexibility for provinces and territories to propose their investment priorities in infrastructure and help ensure that federal investments support national objectives.

The investment announced today builds on more than $1.6 billion in infrastructure funding already approved to date by the current federal government. This includes more than $582 million to complete the Calgary Ring Road, $241 million for the Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion project in Edmonton and funding for more than 130 additional projects in urban and rural communities across the province.

In addition to the funding that will be delivered through the bilateral agreement, Alberta municipalities will also continue to receive sustainable, predictable funding through the Gas Tax Fund, which this year was valued at more than $219 million for the province.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is investing in Alberta’s infrastructure to create long-term, sustained economic growth and create good, well-paying jobs for the middle class while strengthening our communities and improving quality of life for Albertans. I am looking forward to working with the Government of Alberta to finalize this important agreement in the coming months. Our province has unique challenges and opportunities, and it is only in working in partnership that we will be successful in creating strategic, lasting infrastructure that will help build the Canada of the 21st century.”

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Today’s announcement is very good news for Calgary and for the province as a whole. Since our government took office, we have delivered real results for Alberta and the launch of these negotiations, along with the commitment to provide more than $3 billion in federal infrastructure funding, will create transformational change not just over the next 11 years, but for decades to come.”

The Honourable Kent Hehr,Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National DefenseMember of Parliament for Calgary Centre

Quick facts

Under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Government of Canada has announced over three billion dollars in new infrastructure projects in Alberta, including more than 100 public transit projects and 19 water and wastewater projects in Alberta.

The Government of Canada is making historic $180-billion investments in infrastructure to support public infrastructure across the country over 12 years.

As part of the Plan, $33 billion will be delivered through bilateral agreements with provinces and territories under four funding streams:

$20.1 billion for public transit;

$9.2 billion for green infrastructure;

$1.3 billion for community, cultural and recreational infrastructure; and

$2 billion for wide-ranging infrastructure needs in rural and northern communities. In addition, the $400 million Arctic Energy Fund will be delivered under this stream to support energy security in the territories.